classical

The City of Temecula prides itself on providing residents and visitors with the highest caliber of entertainment and education in the fine and performing arts. With world-class orchestra members as well as special musical guests, the California Chamber Orchestra’s new season is a perfect example of the stellar artistic offerings available in our own back yard.

The popular classical music series, Classics at the Merc, is concluding a summer filled with quality performances with two shows in August by some of the best musicians in the genre – the Jung Trio and the Novellus Ensemble.

The recital series Classics at the Merc, curated by Robert Culverhouse, Jr. in consultation with Dana Zimbric, Artistic Director and Conductor of the California Chamber Orchestra, has been makes classical music personal and accessible to Inland Empire residents; highlighting the talents of concert hall-caliber artists in an intimate setting. On Sunday, May 24th, the series welcomes Brazilian Violinist, Ayrton Pisco and Pianist Suzanne Shick.

Aaron Copland was one of the most well-known composers of the 20th century and, as a tribute to his life and works, the California Chamber Orchestra, now in its 10th season, presents a “Copland Celebration” on Saturday, March 14th at the Murrieta United Methodist Church. Under the director of Artistic Director and Conductor, Dana Zimbric, the California Chamber Orchestra prides itself on bringing the highest caliber of classical music to the Inland Empire and, in that pursuit, they routinely invite talented musicians to join them.

The Inland Valley Symphony has been one the crown jewels of the vast Inland Empire cultural scene for two decades and, for their 20th anniversary season, the top-notch 60-member orchestra brings the sophistication of a much larger city to a small but devoted community. On of Saturday, February 28th at Temecula Valley High School Golden Bears Theater, the Inland Valley Symphony and their new Music Director and Maestro, John Mario, present an all-classical program entitled “Romancing the Piano.

The music series Classics at the Merc has been making classical music personal and accessible to Inland Empire residents each week; highlighting the talents of some of the best in the business in an intimate 48-seat setting. This week’s installment, entitled “For the Love of Lieder,” reunites pianist George Fee and mezzo-somprano Kindra Scharich in the space where they began their partnership.

The Old Town Temecula Community Theater continues their lineup of wonderful holiday entertainment this Sunday, December 14th and again on December 21st, with their annual Candlelight Classics. Presented by the Golden Valley Music Society and Temecula Presents, Candlelight Classics is a special holiday edition of the popular monthly series, Classics at the Merc, which brings some of Southern California’s finest classical musicians into the intimate setting of the 48-seat theater for a truly unique and personal experience for the audience.

Every Sunday afternoon, the Old Town Temecula Community Theater and the California Chamber Orchestra present the community with an opportunity for not only cultural enrichment but also to enjoy an afternoon of excellent music in an intimate setting. The weekly series, Classics at the Merc, brings the finest of classical musicians to the Inland Empire and there isn’t a bad seat in the house, by way of the popular 48-seat Merc theater.

For such a small and close knit community, the Inland Empire offers unprecedented opportunities for cultural enrichment, including the one-of-a-kind artistic gem, the California Chamber Orchestra. Ranging from fifteen to thirty musicians, depending on the needs of the concert, the California Chamber Orchestra provides big-city caliber performances close to home.

When classical guitarist, Michael Nigro, discovered he loved playing music at the age of twelve, he pursued the career that every classical musician aspires to; he rocked out. “In my teen years, I became involved in punk rock music and even played in a few bands,” Nigro said during a recent interview.